Reams and Brown Framily Wednesday, January 07, 2015 3:48:17 PM Full Name: Reams and Brown Framily Email Address: realm365@msn.com Comment: To the Department of Education The reviews of the school are heart felt and sincere. Please consider the public requests. I noticed a teacher K. Connor said the announcement of Dr. Brewington's absence did not bother anyone. I respect the school's need to keep things calm. But, that is far from the truth. It was clearly expressed in the public meetings that her absence was a major impact. Her response seems staged with the board's and attorney's theme of "make it look like we can function without her". Why are they trying so hard to take what they did not work for? Mrs. Brooks and Mr. Wohlstetter have a common note of deception. Non educators continue to make educational decisions within the school. Mr. Brooks constantly mentions other people's agendas, what was his? Not education. Mr. W implied threats to parents that he was out to get Dr. Brewington and as the school's legal council he can do that. Complaints can be filed against him to. There is a ethics board for attorneys and those representing themselves in a state they are not certified. I have been volunteering in the school for several years now and have heard many conversations and seen many actions. Don't be fooled one bit in thinking that taking the founder of a school away was not impactful. They took the only current certified leader as well. If it didn't make an impact they would not be meeting with staff to tell them not to talk about it. If it didn't make an impact you would not have received these letters. The consequences issued by the board were not fair and equal which seems to be their agenda. They treat their frat brother as if he is untouchable and not to be held accountable. A bias board is not a fair board and they have demonstrated that to all of us. No training will change their deceptive actions. The longest board member is Mr. Brooks. He has served for 5 years. Don't board members have terms? After all these years he still listened to the wrong voice? The board seems to make corrective actions after they get in trouble, why? I'm sure they had no intent to give a leave of absence aka suspension to Mr. Moore had the report not been released. Do any of them know how the Consolidated Application is supposed to help a Title I school? Do they know what Title I means? Again non educators. I am sad yet hopeful for the future of FFA. It was started by a good person. She has come to my home to help my family, helped us when we were in need and ashamed to ask. God doesn't like ugly. These actions toward her were ugly and just unfair. This tells us of their character. If the board was interested in being a better board they would have taken the training through the charter network as other charters have. Their actions are just too little to late and they should not be permitted to show any further gender bias (all male board against a female leader up until 9/2014 only one female added is that adequate representation she's not a educator) and racial bias (all African American) board. This board had 5 years to get it right and do it right. Change the board and all other success will follow. Please renew the charter for our kids. A restructure is in order. A renewal with conditions is in order. Restructuring an organization for the betterment of a community starts from the top. The board is the top. An they acted as if they were untouchable and not responsible.
Now they are adding a new member by their selection preferences. Was the slot open to all teachers of the school? Did they personally invite him? I think the later. Why isn't there a middle and elementary school teacher allowed to represent on the board? There are two schools in two separate locations and different grade levels, thus different needs under FFA. I remember the PTA President being told no when asked could she join by R. Fletcher and M. May. Mrs. K. Massett is the nicest woman and is full of information regarding charters. Did they listen to her? I'm sure she spoke with them. Mr. Saliuman I met this summer during summer camp and he was working hard for FFA. In a public meeting he was abruptly dismissed. Couldn't even give his report, I wonder why. He is a nice gentleman. I could go on and on. But we as a community want to move on. Allow that to happen with a serious restructure of the board. Arrogant comments have been made that public comments won't make a difference in your decision, prove them wrong. Respectfully sunmitted, Concerned parents of 7 years at FFA
Dorette Brown Wednesday, January 07, 2015 9:59:21 AM Full Name: Dorette Brown Email Address: dorette.brown@ffa.k12.de.us Comment: I am proud to be a member of staff at the Family Foundations Academy Charter, New Castle. I have taught in many schools and in different countries for over 25 years. In the last 7 years I have witnessed steady academic improvement each year, an amazing staff who cares about the welfare of each student, dedicated Special Education, Classroom and Specialist teachers who go above and beyond to ensure that students receive the best chance of success. All our academic staff are thoroughly trained on and off site, constantly equipping themselves to satisfy the needs of the students. We also have a team of Administrators who manage and offer support in every area. We need to continue the great work that is happening here. Please renew our charter.
Priscilla Petty Wednesday, January 07, 2015 10:52:41 AM Full Name: Priscilla Petty Email Address: PPetty16@yahoo.com Comment: Please in the name of JESUS renew the contract. My granddaughter is learning so well in FFA it would be ashamed for them to have to close. Please reconsider your decision. Thanking you in advance for your consideration in the matter.
Andrews Wednesday, January 07, 2015 3:27:50 PM Full Name: Andrews Email Address: andrewscherisse@gmail.com Comment: I am the parent of a kn at FFA, I am very impressed with the staff and very well pleased with my sons learning experience. Please renew their charter.
Andrea McConnell Wednesday, January 07, 2015 4:18:53 PM Full Name: Andrea McConnell Email Address: andrea.mcconnell@ffa.k12.de.us Comment: I have grown as a teacher along with Family Foundations Academy for the past nine years. The school's staff is providing a dedicated, hard working, caring education for all of our students. I personally have bonded with so many families and students. Family Foundations has proven to be an excellent place for learning where parents, teachers, and students all work together. Please renew the charter. We are making a difference.
Laura Cressman Wednesday, January 07, 2015 6:59:49 PM Full Name: Laura Cressman Email Address: lmcressman@gmail.con Comment: As a former teacher at FFA, I encourage the State to renew the school's charter. The teachers are very hard working, very capable, and care for their students. The students served have some extremely challenging behaviors and difficult circumstances and most of them are performing at low levels when they arrive at FFA. Teachers at FFA work tirelessly to bring students up to grade level. I believe that with proper leadership in place, the school could become a model for others. As an FFA teacher, I was required to submit unit plans in advance, make frequent contact with parents, keep my grades up to date, and post assignments and resources on my webpage weekly I was also required to collect and use data to make instructional decisions on a regular basis.. If leadership was held to the same high standards as teachers, this would be a top school.
Jason P. Casper Wednesday, January 07, 2015 10:51:41 PM Full Name: Jason P. Casper Email Address: jasonpcasper@gmail.com Comment: Good afternoon Secretary Murphy, Deputy Secretary Blowman and to the Members of the Charter School Renewal Committee of the Delaware Department of Education, My name is Jason Casper and I am a 5th grade teacher at Family Foundations Academy Charter School. This is my third year teaching at FFA, and my 9th year teaching for the State of Delaware. I began my teaching career in the Brandywine School District back in 1994, where I taught for 6 years. I left the field of education in 2000 to pursue a career in funeral service. After twelve years as a funeral professional, I returned to my roots in the business of education in 2012. I found a home at Family Foundations Academy, working with some of the most dedicated professionals that I have encountered over the past 20 years. The teachers, paraprofessionals, secretarial staff and custodians all put their heart and soul into the educational process for the students at Family Foundations Academy. The positive results of our academic framework submitted to DOE certainly reflect the team effort put forth here at FFA. We truly are a family. I completely understand that you have a responsibility to the people of Delaware to investigate and take action for the allegations at hand, but I would also encourage you to extend that responsibility to the students, families and staff at Family Foundations Academy. We need a chance to prove that we can continue producing academically successful students, even if that means changes needs to be made. I am confident that whatever conditions that are put in place, we, the dedicated staff at FFA, are up for the challenge. If I were to tell you about all of the wonderful experiences I have had with students, the list would go on and on. My students at FFA have, for the past three years, helped the New Castle Hundred Lions Club, in conjunction with the Delaware Association for the Blind, serve dinner to the blind at our annual holiday party at Wilmington University. At this annual event, students had an opportunity to see firsthand, what it is like to literally, live in darkness. They have donated food to local food closets. In addition, the students have walked to the local parks and picked up trash (with gloves) and participated in community clean ups. My students have participated in a pet therapy program, reading to dogs; while increasing their reading stamina, and building their confidence, as well as teaching them to have respect for animals. These are just a few examples of what goes on at FFA. The dedication of our staff is second to none. We educate young people that is what we do. I hope that you will please consider renewing our charter, and allowing us to continue to educate our students. Respectfully submitted, Jason P. Casper Teacher and Instiller of Inspiration, at Family Foundations Academy Charter School 1 Fallon Ave Wilmington, DE 19804 1101 Delaware Street New Castle, DE 19720 302-324-8901, ext 303